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Friday, December 10, 2010

Remembering Mother

Today is the 82nd anniversary of my mother's birth. A red letter day, in my book. She was, and remains, the person who's had the greatest influence on my life. I often forget the anniversary of her death. It is not a day I care to commemorate or celebrate in anyway. But today is a day for rejoicing and remembering.

This is my favorite photograph of her. It's not the best, but it captures an aspect of her personality I adored - her curiosity and interest in the world. She didn't care all that much about day-to-day life or people (other than those she loved or admired - a group which included her family and friends, the New York Yankees, the Knicks of the early 1970s, Jussi Björling and those authors, artists or composers who created works worth knowing). But she was fascinated by history, science, nature and art.

The picture was taken when we were at the Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island just as the roseate spoonbills were flying in to feed.

Today, in her memory, I will read a poem, listen to an opera (or at least a couple arias), have two glasses of wine and embellish a story or two. I'll think about baseball, plan a trip, overcook a pork chop, look at something extraordinarily beautiful and laugh with my family. If I have any time left I'll do the New York Times crossword.

Lovely post Susan -- I'm so glad I read your uplifting thoughts because I've been so sad today looking at the pictures of the weddings she missed, thinking of the upcoming holiday (not the same since she died) and wishing I could tell her all the accomplishments of the kids that she only knew as children. I know she would be so incredibly proud of her grandchildren and feel angry that she's not still here to be a part of our lives.

Your attitude is so much healthier than mine -- did you ever think you'd hear me saying that? I love you and LOVE reading your blog.

This post reminds me so much of an article my sister wrote about our mother years ago. My mother loved Jussi Björling and we grew up listening to the opera on the radio saturday afternoons. Wonderful post.

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